Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009
Herbert River Basin
Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Basin No. 116 and adjacent coastal waters
Prepared by: Environmental Policy and Planning Division, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
© State of Queensland, 2014
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November 2014
Main parts of this document and what they contain




Introduction
(Section 1)

Environmental values
(Section 2)
Water quality objectives
(Section 3)
Ways to improve water
quality
(Section 4)
Accompanying water quality
plans (maps)
i
Scope of waters covered
Key terms/how to use document
Accompanying map products
Water type and boundary
information
Amendment provisions

Table of EVs by catchment/subcatchment and water type
- aquatic ecosystem
- human use

WQOs (for all surface and
groundwaters) to protect EVs, for
- aquatic ecosystems
- human use

List of reports containing
management actions relevant to the
waters in this area

Accompanying plans that show water
types, levels of protection and other
information contained in this
document
Contents
Main parts of this document and what they contain ........................................................................................ i
List of figures ..................................................................................................................................................... iii
List of tables ....................................................................................................................................................... iv
1
2
3
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 2
1.1
Purpose ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2
Waters to which this document applies-project waters ....................................................................... 2
1.3
Guidance on using this document .......................................................................................................... 3
1.4
Information about mapped areas and boundaries ................................................................................ 6
1.5
Water types and basis for boundaries.................................................................................................... 6
1.6
Matters for amendment ............................................................................................................................ 7
Environmental values .......................................................................................................... 9
2.1
Environmental values ............................................................................................................................... 9
2.2
Management goals.................................................................................................................................... 9
Water quality objectives to protect environmental values ............................................. 15
3.1 State planning policy: state interest – water quality ............................................................................. 16
4
3.2
Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystems environmental values ............................. 16
3.3
Water quality objectives for human use environmental values ......................................................... 31
3.4
Water quality objectives to protect groundwater environmental values .......................................... 46
Ways to improve water quality ......................................................................................... 57
ii
List of figures
Figure 1 Reference sites (yellow circles) with samples considered or used for development of
macroinvertebrate objectives in the Wet Tropics of Queensland. ......................................... 28
iii
List of tables
Table 1 Environmental values for the waters of the Herbert River basin (116) and adjacent coastal
waters .................................................................................................................................. 11
Table 2.1 Water quality objectives for physico-chemical, nutrient, algal and water clarity indicators to
protect the aquatic ecosystems EVs under baseflow conditions ........................................... 19
Table 2.2 Water quality objectives for nutrients and suspended solids to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs
during high flow periods ....................................................................................................... 22
Table 2.3 Water quality objectives for specific pesticides and biocides to protect aquatic ecosystem
EVs ...................................................................................................................................... 23
Table 2.4 Water quality objectives for other ions, metals and chemical indicators in surface waters ....... 25
Table 2.5 Freshwater macroinvertebrate objectives for moderately disturbed waters of the Herbert River
basin .................................................................................................................................... 29
Table 3.1 Water quality objectives to protect human use environmental values...................................... 31
Table 3.2 Drinking water EV – Water quality objectives for raw drinking water supply in the vicinity of offtakes, including groundwater, before treatment .................................................................... 34
Table 3.3 Aquaculture EV – Water quality objectives for tropical aquaculture ......................................... 36
Table 3.4 Aquaculture EV – Water quality objectives for optimal growth of freshwater species .............. 37
Table 3.5 Aquaculture EV – Water quality objectives for optimal growth of particular marine species .... 38
Table 3.6 Irrigation EV – Water quality objectives for thermotolerant (faecal) coliforms in irrigation water
used for food and non-food crops1........................................................................................ 39
Table 3.7 Irrigation EV – Water quality objectives for heavy metals and metalloids in agricultural irrigation
water1 – long term trigger value (LTV), short-term trigger value (STV) and soil cumulative
contamination loading limit (CCL) ......................................................................................... 40
Table 3.8 Stock watering EV – Water quality objectives for tolerances of livestock to total dissolved
solids (salinity) in drinking water1 .......................................................................................... 41
Table 3.9 Stock watering EV – Water quality objectives (low risk trigger values) for heavy metals and
metalloids in livestock drinking water .................................................................................... 42
Table 3.10 Recreational waters – Alert levels and corresponding actions for management of
cyanobacteria ....................................................................................................................... 43
Table 4.1 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group
(refer to Plan WQ1083) – Wet Tropical Alluvial – 21 Herbert Johnstone volcanics ............... 47
Table 4.2 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group
(refer to Plan WQ1083) – Wet Tropical Alluvial – 23 Basalt uplands and slopes .................. 48
Table 4.3 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group
(refer to Plan WQ1083) – Sodic – 10 Granitic uplands and slopes ....................................... 49
Table 4.4 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group
(refer to Plan WQ1083) – Sodic – 11 Ingham Abergowrie .................................................... 50
iv
Table 4.5 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group
(refer to Plan WQ1083) – Sodic – 13 Herbert Stone ............................................................. 51
Table 4.6 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group
(refer to Plan WQ1083) – Coastal and Floodplain – 9 Low salinity coastal floodplains ......... 52
Table 4.7 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group
(refer to Plan WQ1083) – High Salinity alluvial deposits – 2 Burgamoo Lucinda .................. 53
Table 4.8 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group
(refer to Plan WQ1083) – High Salinity alluvial deposits – 5 Mid Herbert upland alluvials..... 54
Table 4.6 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group
(refer to Plan WQ1083) – High Calcium – 16 Lilypond ......................................................... 55
v
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Introduction and guidance on using
this document
1
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
1
Introduction
This document is made under the provisions of the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 (EPP
Water), which is subordinate legislation under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act)
The EPP Water and the EP Act provide a framework for:

establishing environmental values (EVs) and management goals for Queensland waters, and
deciding the water quality objectives (WQOs) to protect or enhance those EVs

listing the identified EVs, management goals and WQOs under Schedule 1 of the EPP (Water).
This document contains the EVs, management goals, WQOs and map products for the waters of the
Herbert River basin (116)1 and the adjacent coastal waters, to the limit of Queensland waters.
The document is listed under Column 2 of Schedule 1 of the EPP Water for the Column 1 entry of the
Herbert River basin and adjacent coastal waters.
1.1
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to identify locally relevant environmental values and water quality
objectives for the region, based on local historical data and in close consultation with the local
community. These water quality objectives are used to help set development conditions, influence local
government planning schemes and underpin report card grades for ecosystem health monitoring
programs. These water quality objectives have been refined from national and state water quality
guidelines and present a truer picture of the values and water quality of local waterways. This ensures
the values the community holds for its waterways can be maintained and improved into the future,
without imposing unrealistic standards from national guidelines that may be inappropriate for local
conditions.
1.2
Waters to which this document applies-project waters
This document applies to all surface waters and groundwaters of the Herbert River basin and adjacent
coastal waters, as indicated in the accompanying maps WQ1161—surface waters, WQ1082—coastal
waters and WQ1083—groundwaters.
The surface waters and groundwaters include the:

Herbert River catchment

Wild and Wondecla catchments

Flaggy Creek catchments

Upper Evelyn catchment

Ravenshoe catchment

Wet Ranges and Wet Coastal fresh waters

Southern Herbert catchments fresh waters


Estuaries of the Herbert River main channel and coastal drainages
Herbert River basin wetlands, lakes and drinking water storages

Herbert River basin groundwaters

Herbert enclosed coastal waters and open coastal waters to the limit of Queensland waters.
1
Queensland Drainage Division number and river basin names are published at Geoscience Australia’s website www.ga.gov.au.
2
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
The geographical extent of waters shown in the accompanying maps is:

northwest to the Mitchell River basin (919)

northeast to the Barron, Johnstone, Tully, Murray and Hinchinbrook Island rivers basins (110, 112,
113, 114 and 115)

southwest to the Burdekin River basin (120)

southeast to the Black River basin (116)

east to the jurisdictional limit of Queensland waters.
1.3
Guidance on using this document
1.3.1
List of acronyms and terms
ADWG means the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2011) – updated December 2013, prepared by
the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)2.
AWQG or ANZECC guidelines means the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and
Marine Water Quality (October 2000) prepared by the Australian and New Zealand Environment and
Conservation Council (ANZECC) and the Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia
and New Zealand (ARMCANZ)3.
Aquatic ecosystem means the animals, plants and micro-organisms that live in water, and the physical
and chemical environment and climatic regime in which they interact. The physical components (e.g.
light, temperature) and chemical components (e.g. oxygen, nutrients), and to a lesser extent biological
interactions, determine what lives and breeds in the aquatic ecosystem and the food web structure.
Basin means hydrologic drainage basin. Refer to the Geoscience Australia website www.ga.gov.au.
Catchment means the land area draining into a watercourse. The limits of a catchment are the heights
of land (watershed) separating it from neighbouring catchments.
Developed fresh waters (or waters in developed areas) are waters in areas impacted through some
form of development e.g. urban, industrial, rural residential or agricultural development and land uses.
These waters are generally assigned the Moderately Disturbed (MD) level of protection.
Ecological health or condition of an aquatic ecosystem means the ability to maintain key ecological
processes and organisms so that their species compositions, diversity and functional organisations are
as comparable as possible to those occurring in natural habitats. There are four levels of aquatic
ecosystems protection—High Ecological Value (HEV), Slightly Disturbed (SD), Moderately Disturbed
(MD) and Highly Disturbed (HD). See Management intent for waters under the EPP Water (section 14).
Environmental values means the EVs at Section 2. EVs for waters are the qualities of water that make
it suitable for supporting aquatic ecosystems and human uses. EVs under the EPP Water are shown
below.
2
3
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines are available on the National Health and Medical Research Council website at www.nhmrc.gov.au.
The ANZECC guidelines are available on the Australian Government's National Water Quality Management Strategy website.
3
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Environmental values (EVs)
Potentially applicable to:
Tidal waters
Fresh (non-tidal)
waters, including
ground water
Aquatic ecosystem EV
Environmental values may be stated for four levels of aquatic ecosystems
protection


 high ecological value waters (effectively unmodified)
 slightly disturbed waters ( slightly modified)
 moderately disturbed waters (adversely affected to a relatively small but
measurable degree)
 highly disturbed waters (measurably degraded).
Human use EVs

Suitability of the water for agricultural use (e.g. crop irrigation, stock watering, farm
use)
Suitability of the water for aquaculture (e.g. prawns, barramundi)


Suitability of the water for producing aquatic foods (e.g. fish, crustaceans) for
human consumption


Suitability of the water for supply as drinking water (i.e. raw water, before
treatment)

Suitability of the water for industrial use (e.g. mining, minerals refining/processing)

Suitability of the water for recreation:

primary contact (e.g. swimming)



secondary contact recreation (e.g. boating)



visual (no contact) recreation




The cultural and spiritual values of the water
GBRMPA guidelines means the Water Quality Guidelines for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2010, published at the GBRMPA website.
Management goals means the goals stated in Section 2.2 of this document. Management goals are
used to assess whether the corresponding environmental value is being maintained. They reflect the
desired levels of protection for the aquatic system and any relevant environmental problems.
Management intent for waters—see Section 2.2.
Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2009 means the protocol document under the EP Act published on
the department’s website at www.ehp.qld.gov.au
Queensland waters means waters within the state (i.e. headwaters to the three nautical mile jurisdiction
limit.
QWQG means the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines, published at www.ehp.qld.gov.au
Soil degradation, for the purposes of the objective for irrigation water in section 2.2.3, means reduced
permeability and soil structure breakdown caused by the level of sodium in the irrigation water, assessed
using the sodium adsorption ratio.
Undeveloped fresh waters (or waters in undeveloped areas) are waters within protected areas such as
National Park, Regional Park and forest reserves or in other undisturbed states. These waters are given
High Ecological Value (HEV) or Slightly Disturbed (SD) levels of protection.
4
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Water quality indicator for an environmental value, under the EPP Water, means a physical, chemical,
biological or other property that can be measured or decided in a quantitative way. For example:

the concentration of nutrients and pH value are examples of chemical indicators

Secchi disc water clarity measure is an example of a physical indicator

seagrass depth range, macro-invertebrate family richness are examples of biological indicators.
Water quality guidelines under the EPP Water means the quantitative measures (expressed as
contaminant concentrations, loads or narrative statements) for indicators which protect a stated EV. For
a particular water, the indicators and water quality guidelines for an EV are decided using the following
documents (in order of priority):

site specific documents for the water

the QWQG

the AWQG

other relevant documents published by a recognised entity.
Water quality guidelines may be modified by economic and social impact assessments of protecting the
EVs for waters.
Water quality objectives (WQOs) means the WQOs at Section 3 which protect the EVs at Section 2.
WQOs are the quantitative measures of the various water quality indicators that protect receiving waters
aquatic ecosystem and human use EVs. WQOs are:

numerical concentration levels, sustainable loads measures or narrative statements of indicators

based on water quality guidelines, but may be modified by economic and social inputs

receiving water quality objectives—not individual point source objectives or emission standards

long-term goals for water quality management.
WQOs compliance assessment means the compliance assessment at Appendix D of the QWQG.
Water type means the grouping of waters within which water quality is sufficiently consistent that a
single guideline value can be applied to all waters within each group (or water type). See section 1.5.
1.3.2
Use of this document
Section 1 – Introduction and guidance on using this document.
Section 2 – lists the identified EVs for protection for particular waters.
Section 3 – lists the WQOs to protect the corresponding aquatic ecosystems and human use EVs for
each water type, including both surface waters and groundwaters.
This document refers to a number of water quality guidelines, codes and other reference sources. In
particular, the QWQG provide detailed information on water types, water quality indicators, derivation of
local water quality guidelines, monitoring and assessing compliance. ANZECC guidelines contain
national level water quality guidelines, for example water quality guidelines for toxicants.
Section 4 – lists documents relevant to the improvement of water quality in the Herbert River basin.
5
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
1.4
Information about mapped areas and boundaries
The boundaries in the accompanying pdf plans are indicative only. The corresponding GIS datasets are
available as part of the Wet Tropics Environmental Values Schedule 1 Geodatabase November 2014—
held at the department's offices at Level 10, 400 George Street Brisbane.
The GIS datasets may be downloaded free of charge from the Queensland Government Information
Service (QGIS) at http://dds.information.qld.gov.au/dds
For further information, please email the department at [email protected]
1.5
Water types and basis for boundaries
1.5.1
Water types
Water types in this document are identified in Section 3 and the accompanying plans. Water types
include (see the QWQG and GBRMPA guidelines):


upland fresh waters—smaller upper catchments freshwater streams, above 150 metres altitude,
moderate to fast flowing with steeper gradients than lowland fresh waters, downstream limit—
lowland fresh waters
lowland fresh waters—larger slow moving freshwater streams and rivers, below 150 metres altitude,
downstream limit—upper estuary
freshwater lakes/reservoirs—deep water habitat situated in dammed river channels

upper/mid estuary waters:

•
upstream tidal limit—determined from EHP wetland mapping, declared downstream fresh water
limit, mean high water springs or limiting structure
•
downstream limit—lower estuary

enclosed coastal/lower estuary waters – occur at the downstream end of estuaries and include
shallow coastal waters (<6m depth) in enclosed bays
open coastal waters—extend from the seaward limit of the enclosed coastal water body to the
jurisdictional limit of Queensland waters4
groundwaters—sub-artesian waters that occur in an aquifer

wetlands—palustrine, lacustrine and estuarine – see EHP mapping at Wetlandsinfo website

marinas, boat harbours, tidal canals and constructed estuaries


1.5.2
Water type boundaries
The boundaries of different water types are mapped in the accompanying plans using the following
attributes, see QWQG for definitions, including:
•
altitude (from Australian Height Datum, Geoscience Australia)
•
catchment or sub catchment boundaries
•
coastline mapping
•
downstream or tidal limit—structure (limiting), declared downstream limit or mean high water springs
•
•
enclosed coastal waters (GBRMPA 2014)
geographic coordinates
•
highest/lowest astronomical tide
4
Beyond the jurisdictional limit of Queensland waters, mid-shelf marine waters extend from the limit of open coastal waters to 24 km offshore and offshore marine
waters extend from the limit of mid-shelf waters to 170 km offshore. See GBRMPA guidelines.
6
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
•
jurisdiction or defined coastal waters limits
•
maritime mapping conventions
•
plume line—seaward limit of detection of terrestrial impact — chlorophyll-a mapping (GBRMPA
2014)
surveyed terrestrial and maritime boundaries.
•
1.6
Matters for amendment
Under section 12 (2) (b) of the EPP (Water), amendments of the following type may be made to this
schedule 1 document for the purposes of a replacement document:

changes to EVs

changes to management goals


changes to WQOs
changes to management intent (level of protection) categories

changes to water type boundaries/descriptions

updates to information/data sources, websites and email contact details, agency/departmental
names, other institutional names, references.
7
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Environmental values for waters of the
Herbert River basin and adjacent
coastal waters
8
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
2
Environmental values
2.1
Environmental values
The EVs for the surface waters and groundwaters of the Herbert River basin and adjacent coastal waters
are listed at table 1 and mapped in the accompanying plans and the GIS datasets.
The EVs were established during stakeholder consultation undertaken by the department and Terrain
NRM, see Consultation Report: Environmental Values for Wet Tropics Basins, (Terrain NRM, September
2012).
2.2
Management goals
2.2.1
Management intent for waters – under the EPP Water
It is the management intent for waters that the decision to release waste water or contaminants to the
waters must ensure the following:
 for high ecological value (HEV) waters—the measures for the indicators for all EVs are maintained
 for slightly disturbed (SD) waters—the measures for the slightly modified physical or chemical
indicators are progressively improved to achieve the WQOs for HEV waters
 for moderately disturbed (MD) waters:
o if the measures for indicators of the EVs achieve the water quality objectives for the water—
the measures for the indicators are maintained at levels that achieve the WQOs for the water
or
o if the measures for indicators of the EVs do not achieve the water quality objectives for the
water—the measures for indicators of the EVs are improved to achieve the WQOs for the
water

for highly disturbed (HD) waters—the measures for the indicators of all environmental values are
progressively improved to achieve the water quality objectives for the water.
The mapping of HEV waters, SD waters and HD waters in the accompanying plans (or GIS
datasets) informs the determination of Management Intent for particular waters.
Note 1 – All other waters in the accompanying plans are MD.
Note 2 – See the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008, section 51.
Note 3 – See the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009, section 14.
2.2.2
Raw water for treatment for human consumption

Minimise the risk that the quality of raw water taken for treatment for human consumption results in
adverse human health effects.

Maintain the palatability rating of water taken for treatment for human consumption at the level of
good, as set out in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG).
Minimise the risk that the quality of raw water taken for treatment for human consumption results in
the odour of drinking water being offensive to consumers.

2.2.3
Irrigation water
The management goal for irrigation water is that the quality of surface water, when used in accordance
with the best irrigation and crop management practices and principles of ecologically sustainable
development, does not result in crop yield loss or soil degradation.
9
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
2.2.4
Recreational water quality
The management goal for recreational water quality is to achieve a low risk to human health from water
quality threats posed by exposure through ingestion or contact during recreational use of water
resources.
10
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 1 Environmental values for the waters of the Herbert River basin (116) and adjacent coastal waters
Environmental values
1, 2, 3
Cultural and spiritual
values
Industrial use
Drinking water
Visual recreation
Secondary recreation
4
Primary recreation
Human consumer
Aquaculture
Stock water
Farm supply/use
Irrigation
Aquatic ecosystems
4
Herbert River basin (116)
           
Surface fresh waters (rivers, creeks, streams) in developed areas (e.g. urban, industrial, rural residential, agriculture, farmlands)
Herbert River (upper western) including Dry, Battle
Wyndam, Nettle, Nanyeta, Big Dinner, Log Camp, Poison,
Gunnawarra Bump, Bell, Minnemore, Gunnawarra, Upper
and Lower Rudd, Pluto, Emma, Rocky, Western,
Limestone, Tunmirendah, Camel, Hole and Expedition
sub-catchments












Upper Wild River












Flaggy Creek including Chunum, Prairie, Evelyn and
Corduroy sub-catchments












Upper Evelyn including Coolabbi, Weir and Robinson subcatchments












Lower Wild River including Whelan, Copper and Shady
sub-catchments












Ravenshoe including Cedar, Vine, Archer and Snubby
sub-catchments











Herbert River (upper eastern) including Three Sisters,
Dingo, Blunder, Quimber, Middle, Mandalee, Lily,
Tirrabella, Sunday, Basalt, Sandy Yard North and Sandy
Yard sub-catchments











11

Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Environmental values
1, 2, 3
Cultural and spiritual
values
Industrial use
Drinking water
Visual recreation
Secondary recreation
4
Primary recreation
Human consumer
Aquaculture
Stock water
Farm supply/use
Irrigation
Aquatic ecosystems
4
Herbert River basin (116)
           
Cameron and Blencoe Creeks












Middle Herbert River including Henrietta, Stony, Pinnacles,
Garrawalt, Sword, Herkes, Yamanie, Murray Spring,
Smoko, South, Flaggy, Princess, Greasy, Gorge and
Waterfall.












Wet Ranges including Gowrie, Broadwater, Longtail,
Dalrymple and Midway sub-catchments












Longpocket fresh waters












Northern Herbert coastal creeks including Trebonne,
Ripple, Dungeness, Lannercost, Seaforth, Seymour, and
Seaforth Channel sub-catchments












Southern Herbert including Stone, Cattle, Waterview,
Frances and Tinkle sub-catchments















Surface fresh waters in undeveloped areas (e.g. National Parks, forest reserves)
Undeveloped fresh waters of the Herbert River basin









Groundwaters – tableland












Groundwaters – lower floodplain












12
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Environmental values
1, 2, 3
Cultural and spiritual
values
Industrial use
Drinking water
Visual recreation
Secondary recreation
4
Primary recreation
Human consumer
Aquaculture
Stock water
Farm supply/use
Irrigation
Aquatic ecosystems
4
Herbert River basin (116)
           
Estuaries/bays, coastal and marine waters
All estuarine waters including the Herbert River main
channel and tributary estuaries, Seaforth and Seaforth
Channel, Trebonne and Waterview estuaries.











Herbert coastal waters











Offshore marine waters











Notes:
1.  means the EV is selected for protection.
2. Refer to the accompanying maps for the spatial locations of the EVs.
3. Blank indicates that the EV is not chosen for protection.
4. The selection of recreational EVs for waters does not mean that these waters are free of dangerous aquatic organisms, for example venomous organisms (e.g. marine
stingers including box jellyfish, irukandji jellyfish), crocodiles, and sharks. Direct contact with dangerous aquatic organisms should be avoided. Refer to EHP
CrocWatch, council, www.health.qld.gov.au, www.beachsafe.org.au, www.marinestingers.com.au and other information sources for further details on swimming safety
and information on specific waters.
13
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Water quality objectives to protect
environmental values
14
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
3
Water quality objectives to protect environmental values
This section provides WQOs to protect the EVs for the waters at Section 2.

Section 3.1 information for reference to the State Planning Policy: state interest – water quality.

Section 3.2 states the surface waters WQOs to protect the aquatic ecosystem EV.

Section 3.3 states the surface waters WQOs to protect the human use EVs.

Section 3.4 states the groundwater WQOs to protect the groundwater EVs.
15
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
3.1 State planning policy: state interest – water quality
The State Planning Policy (SPP) defines the Queensland Government’s policies about matters of
state interest in land use planning and development. (A state interest is defined under the Sustainable
Planning Act 2009.)
Water quality is a state interest. The SPP (state interest – water quality) seeks to ensure that ‘the
environmental values and quality of Queensland waters are protected and enhanced’. It includes
provisions relating to planning schemes, acid sulfate soils and water supply buffer areas.
The provisions of the SPP are operationalised through the SPP code – water quality (Appendix 3 of
the SPP). The purpose of the code is to ‘ensure development is planned, designed, constructed and
operated to manage stormwater and wastewater in ways that support the protection of environmental
values identified in the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009’. The code contains detailed
performance objectives for planning schemes, development and land use activities to implement the
code’s purpose. These include stormwater management design objectives by climatic region
(construction and post-construction phases).
The SPP (state interest – water quality) is supported by the State Planning Policy—state interest
guideline – water quality. The SPP (including SPP code) and supporting guideline are available from
the DSDIP website.
3.2
Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystems environmental
values
This section lists the WQOs for the various water types at the stated levels of protection to protect the
aquatic ecosystems environmental values stated for the surface waters of Herbert River basin and
adjacent coastal waters at Section 2.
Procedures for the application of WQOs for aquatic ecosystem protection, and compliance
assessment protocols can be found in Section 5 and Appendix D of the QWQG. For the comparison of
test site monitoring data against WQOs, the median water quality value (e.g. concentration) of a
number (preferably five or more) of independent samples at a particular monitoring ('test') site should
be compared against the water quality objective of the same indicator, water type and level of aquatic
ecosystem protection, as listed in table 2 below. For WQOs based on GBRMPA data, where single
value WQOs are given for specified indicators (e.g. particulate N, Secchi depth), these should be
compared to annual mean (rather than median) values. Relevant seasonal adjustments can be
referenced in GBRMPA (2010) Water Quality Guidelines for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 2010.
Also refer to notes after the tables.
WQOs for metals and other toxicants in sediments, in all cases reference is made to the ANZECC
guidelines.
WQOs for metals and other toxicants in waters, where not stated in this document, are referred to the
ANZECC guidelines. In the case of aluminium, reference is made to a recent peer reviewed study of
toxicity of aluminium in marine waters by Golding et al. (2014). This study used ANZECC protocols to
derive a marine guideline value of 24 µg/L of aluminium (that applies to the measured concentration in
seawater that passes through an 0.45 µm filter) to protect 95% of species that applies to slightly to
moderately disturbed waters, and 2.1 µg/L to protect 99% of species which applies to HEV waters.
This supersedes the existing low reliability guideline of 0.5 µg/L that was derived using conservative
safety margins from limited data.

Golding, L.A., Angel, B.M., Batley, G.E., Apte, S.C., Krassoi, R. and Doyle, C.J. 2014. Derivation
of a water quality guideline for aluminium in marine waters. Environmental Toxicology and
Chemistry (Accepted) (DOI: 10.1002/etc.2771).
16
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Water quality objectives for surface
waters to protect the aquatic
ecosystem environmental values
17
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
3.2.1
Surface water quality objectives
Tables 2.1 to 2.5 include the following information for the surface waters of the various catchments
and adjacent coastal waters:

Water quality objectives for physico-chemical, nutrient, algal and water clarity indicators under
baseflow conditions—Table 2.1

Water quality objectives for nutrients and suspended solids during high flow periods – Table 2.2

Water quality objectives for specific pesticides and biocides – Table 2.3

Water quality objectives for other ions, metals and chemical indicators in surface waters—
Table 2.4

Freshwater macroinvertebrate objectives for moderately disturbed waters—Table 2.5
Note: Event flow WQOs are provided in table 2.2. Unless otherwise stated all other WQOs provided
are for application only during baseflow conditions.
18
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 2.1 Water quality objectives for physico-chemical, nutrient, algal and water clarity indicators to protect the aquatic
ecosystems EVs under baseflow conditions
Water quality objectives
Level of
protection
Physico-chemical
Water type
DO
pH
Algal
growth
Nutrients
Ammonia
N
Oxidised
N
Particulate
N
Organic
N
% Saturation
Total N
FRP
Particulate
P
Total P
Chl-a
µg/L
Water clarity
Turbidity
Secchi
TSS
NTU
m
mg/L
Water quality objectives shown as 20th, 50th and 80th percentiles (i.e. 3-4-5) or as a single value of median or 80th percentile (i.e. 15). DO and pH may be shown as a
range of 20th and 80th percentiles (i.e. 85-105).
Table notes
Seagrass: Local seagrass distribution and composition is maintained as measured by extent of seagrass, species diversity and depth limit. Minimum light
requirement for seagrass is a PAR two week moving average of greater than 6 mol m -2 day-1. This is minimum requirement only for seagrass health and is generally
below average harbour conditions. It does not include potential impacts on benthic microalgae and phytoplankton at this light level. Objective based on Chartrand et
al. (2012) Development of a Light-Based Seagrass Management Approach for the Gladstone Western Basin Dredging Program.
Mangroves: Objective of no net loss of mangrove area. The Herbarium conducts biennial mapping of mangrove cover and this could be used as an assessment tool.
Mapping is available from EHP.
Wetlands: for high impact earthworks within Great Barrier Reef wetland protection areas, refer to the guideline 'Protecting Wetlands of High Ecological Significance
in Great Barrier Reef Catchments', and the Queensland wetland buffer planning guideline, available from the department’s website. Also refer to Section 3.2.3.
High
ecological
value
waters/
slightly
disturbed
waters
Undeveloped
upland fresh
water
(HEV3101)
Undeveloped
lowland fresh
water
(HEV3101/
HEV3123)
Freshwater
lakes/
reservoirs
(HEV3101)
Wetlands
(HEV3101)
90-95-1001
6-6.57.51
3-4-61
10-15301
nd
75-1001251
90-1201501
3-451
nd
5-7-101
<0.51
<1-2-51
nd
23
85-1201
6.0-8.01
101
301
nd
2001
2401
41
nd
101
1.51
151
nd
23
90-1201
6.0-8.01
101
101
nd
3301
3501
51
nd
101
31
2-2001
nd
nd
90-1201
6.0-8.01
101
101
nd
33011801
350-12001
5-251
nd
10-501
101
2-2001
nd
nd
Mid estuarine
and tidal
canals,
constructed
estuaries,
marinas and
boat harbours
(HEV3101)
80-85-1051
6.5-7.38.41
5-10-151
2-15-301
nd
100-1002001
110-1302501
2-351
nd
10-15201
1-2-31
2-5-101
2-1.511
nd
Enclosed
coastal/lower
estuary
(HEV3101/
SD3121)
85-1051
6.5-7.38.41
<151
nd
nd
1351
1601
51
nd
201
2.01
10
1.01
nd
19
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Water quality objectives
Level of
protection
Physico-chemical
Water type
DO
Ammonia
N
pH
Oxidised
N
Particulate
N
Organic
N
% Saturation
95-100-1052
High
ecological
value
waters/
slightly
disturbed
waters
Open coastal
(HEV3121/
SD3121)
2
Algal
growth
Nutrients
Total N
FRP
Particulate
P
Total P
Chl-a
µg/L
8.1-8.38.42
0-3-82
0-0-12
10-12-162
Water clarity
Turbidity
Secchi
TSS
NTU
m
mg/L
0.6-0.8-1.32
≥102
0.6-1.22.32
nd
75-1051302
0-132
1.8-2.2-3.02
7-11202
0.270.350.632
nd
71-96-1222
0-132
1.2-1.9-2.62
4-6-92
0.2-0.30.52
<12
10-13162
0.3-0.61.12
Total dissolved N: 55-75-95 µg/L
Total dissolved P: 3-6-10 µg/L
Temperature: <1⁰C increase above long term (20 year) average maximum
95-1052
Offshore
waters2
(HEV3122)
8.1-8.38.42
1-4-102
0-1-22
10-13-172
Total dissolved N: 54-74-97 µg/L
Total dissolved P: 2-4-8 µg/L
Silicate: 28-52-104 µg/L
Temperature: <1⁰C increase above long term (20 year) average maximum
Moderately
disturbed
waters
Slightly –
moderately
disturbed
waters
Upper Herbert
developed
fresh waters
90-1001
6.0-7.51
<103
<203
nd
nd
<4403
<83
nd
<303
<0.61
<61
nd
<33
Other
developed
fresh waters
85-1201
6.0-8.01
<103
<1403
nd
<2001
<3403
<83
nd
<253
<1.51
<151
nd
<83
Freshwater
lakes/
reservoirs
90-1201
6.0-8.01
<101
<101
nd
<3301
<3501
<51
nd
<101
<31
2-2001
nd
nd
Wetlands
90-1201
6.0-8.01
<101
<101
nd
33011801
350-12001
5-251
nd
10-501
<101
2-2001
nd
nd
80-1051
6.5-8.41
<151
<301
nd
<2001
<2501
<51
nd
<201
<31
<101
>11
nd
85-1051
6.5-8.41
<151
<101
nd
<1351
<1601
<51
nd
<201
<21
<101
>11
nd
2
2
2
2
≥102
(annual
mean)
≤1.22
(annual
mean)
Mid estuarine
and tidal
canals,
constructed
estuaries,
marinas and
boat harbours
Enclosed
coastal/lower
estuary
Open coastal
2
95-105
8.1-8.4
≤3
2
≤1
2
≤122
(annual
mean)
nd
20
≤105
≤1
≤2.22
(annual
mean)
≤10
2
≤0.352
(annual
mean)
≤1
2
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Water quality objectives
Level of
protection
Physico-chemical
Water type
DO
pH
Ammonia
N
Oxidised
N
Particulate
N
Organic
N
% Saturation
Slightlymoderately
disturbed
waters
Highly
disturbed
waters
Open coastal2
Algal
growth
Nutrients
Total N
FRP
Particulate
P
Total P
µg/L
Chl-a
Water clarity
Turbidity
Secchi
TSS
NTU
m
mg/L
Total dissolved N: ≤70 µg/L
Total dissolved P: ≤6 µg/L
Temperature: <1⁰C increase above long term (20 year) average maximum
Assess existing water quality at the highly disturbed test site. Initial objective is to ensure no deterioration from this. Long-term objective is to attain the moderately disturbed
objective value. Intermediate objectives can be set based on (a) 95th percentile of reference values from a slightly disturbed reference site or (b) on references values from another
site that is highly disturbed but that is nevertheless in measurably better condition than the test site1.
Notes:


DO: dissolved oxygen, FRP: filterable reactive phosphorus, Chl-a: chlorophyll-a, TSS: total suspended solids. nd: no (or insufficient) data.
Units % saturation: percent saturation, µg/L: micrograms per litre, NTU: nephelometric turbidity units, m: metres, mg/L: milligrams per litre.
Sources:
1. Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2009.
2. GBRMPA analysis of Reef Rescue Marine Monitoring Program and/or Long Term Monitoring Program datasets.
3. Analysis of DSITIA water quality monitoring data and Great Barrier Reef Catchment Loads Monitoring Program.
21
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 2.2 Water quality objectives for nutrients and suspended solids to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs during high flow
periods
Water quality
objectives
Ammonia N
Oxidised N
Particulate N
DON
TN
Units
FRP
Particulate
P
DOP
TP
µg/L
TSS
mg/L
WQOs apply to all fresh waters during high flow periods where discharge is above local baseflow.
th
th
th
20 -50 -80
percentiles
4-8-13
5-66-101
50-153-384
72-106-148
229-370-668
1-3-4
5-10-45
5-5-10
10-20-70
Notes:
1. High flow WQOs are based on measured data from high flow periods at a reference site on the Tully River in Tully Gorge National Park (gauging
station 113015A).
2. DON: dissolved organic nitrogen, TN: total nitrogen, FRP: filterable reactive phosphorous, DOP: dissolved organic phosphorous, TP: total
phosphorous, TSS: total suspended solids.
Source:
Orr, D., Turner, R.D.R., Huggins, R., Vardy, S., Warne, M. St. J. 2014. Wet Tropics water quality statistics for high and base flow conditions. Great
Barrier Reef Catchment Loads Monitoring Program, Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Brisbane.
22
4-20-52
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 2.3 Water quality objectives for specific pesticides and biocides to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs
Water quality objectives
Level of
aquatic
ecosystems
protection
Pesticides
Water type
Diuron
Atrazine
Chlorpyrifos
Endosulfan
Ametryn
Simazine
Biocide
Hexazinone
2,4-D
Tebuthiuron
MEMC
Diazinon
Tributlyltin
(as Sn)
µg/l
High
ecological
value waters
Slightly
disturbed
waters
All
(HEV3101/
HEV3121/
HEV3122/
HEV3123)
No detection of anthropogenic toxicants
Undeveloped
fresh water
nd
0.7
0.00004
0.03
nd
0.2
75
140
0.2
nd
0.00003
nd
Freshwater lakes/
reservoirs
nd
0.7
0.00004
0.03
nd
0.2
75
140
0.2
nd
0.00003
nd
Wetlands
nd
0.7
0.00004
0.03
nd
0.2
75
140
0.2
nd
0.00003
nd
Mid estuarine
and tidal canals,
constructed
estuaries,
marinas and boat
harbours
nd
0.7
0.00004
0.03
nd
0.2
75
140
0.2
nd
0.00003
nd
Enclosed
coastal/lower
estuary
(SD3121)
0.9
0.6
0.0005
0.005
0.5
0.2
1.2
0.8
0.02
0.002
0.00003
0.0004
Open coastal
(SD3121)
0.9
0.6
0.0005
0.005
0.5
0.2
1.2
0.8
0.02
0.002
0.00003
0.0004
23
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Water quality objectives
Level of
aquatic
ecosystems
protection
Pesticides
Water type
Diuron
Atrazine
Chlorpyrifos
Endosulfan
Ametryn
Simazine
Biocide
Hexazinone
2,4-D
Tebuthiuron
MEMC
Diazinon
Tributlyltin
(as Sn)
µg/l
Moderately
disturbed
and highly
disturbed
waters
Developed fresh
water
nd
13
0.01
0.03
nd
3.2
75
280
2.2
nd
0.01
nd
Freshwater lakes/
reservoirs
nd
13
0.01
0.03
nd
3.2
75
280
2.2
nd
0.01
nd
Wetlands
nd
13
0.010
0.03
nd
3.2
75
280
2.2
nd
0.01
nd
Mid estuarine
and tidal canals,
constructed
estuaries,
marinas and boat
harbours
nd
13
0.01
0.03
nd
3.2
75
280
2.2
nd
0.01
nd
Enclosed
coastal/lower
estuary
1.6
1.4
0.009
0.005
1.0
3.2
1.2
30.8
2
0.002
0.01
0.006
Open coastal
1.6
1.4
0.009
0.005
1.0
3.2
1.2
30.8
2
0.002
0.01
0.006
Notes:
1. nd = no data
2. For all other contaminants in waters, including metals —see ANZECC guidelines. For aluminium, refer to: Golding, L.A., Angel, B.M., Batley, G.E.,
Apte, S.C., Krassoi, R. and Doyle, C.J. 2014. Derivation of a water quality guideline for aluminium in marine waters. Environmental Toxicology and
Chemistry (Accepted) (DOI: 10.1002/etc.2771).
3. Comply with the Code of Practice for Antifouling and In-water Hull Cleaning and Maintenance, ANZECC (Re Tributyltin and Dibutyltin)
Source:
Freshwater and Mid estuarine WQOs derived from ANZECC (2000). Enclosed coastal/Lower estuary and Open coastal WQOs derived from GBRMPA
(2010).
24
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 2.4 Water quality objectives for other ions, metals and chemical indicators in surface waters
%
Hardness
-1
(mgL )
Alkalinity
-1
(mgL )
SiO2 (mgL )
Cu (mgL )
SAR
20th
5
40
2
16
1
17
14
47
6
28
1
2
47
8
11
10.1
0.010
0.010
0.000
0.000
0.00
0.60
50th
7
51
3
22
2
26
25
59
9
36
1
3
72
17
20
14.1
0.060
0.050
0.000
0.010
0.01
0.70
80th
11
66
5
28
4
34
40
68
14
48
2
6
106
29
33
21.1
0.110
0.200
0.010
0.020
0.03
0.95
-1
-1
-1
-1
F (mgL )
-1
%
Zn (mgL )
%
Mn (mgL )
%
Fe (mgL )
%
Percentile
-1
%
µScm-1
EC
mgL-1
SO4
mgL-1
Cl
mgL-1
HCO3
mgL-1
Mg
mgL-1
Ca
mgL-1
Na
Note:
1. These values are based on local data collected across the Wet Tropics region. ANZECC guidelines apply for some elements, however these locally
observed data are below the guideline values and should be maintained.
2. EC = electrical conductivity; SAR = sodium adsorption ratio.
Source:
Queensland Wet Tropics and Black and Ross catchments: Regional chemistry of the groundwater. Queensland Government (Raymond, M. A. A. and
V. H. McNeil, 2013).
25
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
3.2.2
Riparian and groundcover water quality objectives
The clearing of native vegetation in Queensland is regulated by the Vegetation Management Act 1999
the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and associated policies and codes. This includes the regulation of
clearing in water and drainage lines.
For vegetation management relating to waterways, reference should be made to:

State Development Assessment Provisions (SDAP) Module 8: Native vegetation clearing. This
module includes performance requirements relating to clearing of native vegetation and a table
relating to watercourse buffer areas and stream order. To review the SDAP modules, contact the
Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning website.
 SDAP Module 11: Wetland protection area.
 Relevant self-assessable codes under the Vegetation Management Act 1999. These codes are
activity based, some applying to different regions, and include performance requirements relating to
watercourses and wetlands, aimed at maintaining water quality, bank stability, aquatic and terrestrial
habitat. Codes include vegetation clearing controls that vary according to stream order. To review the
latest applicable self-assessable code (and other explanatory information), contact the Department of
Natural Resources and Mines website.
To review the current vegetation management laws contact the Queensland Government website or
Department of Natural Resources and Mines website.
To review the SDAP Modules, contact the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and
Planning website.
Local Government Planning schemes under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 may also specify riparian
buffers (for example under catchment protection or waterway codes). Contact the Department of State
Development, Infrastructure and Planning website and local government websites for further information
about planning schemes.
The riparian vegetation target up to 2018 in the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan) 2013 is
that ‘The extent of riparian vegetation is increased’ and the groundcover target is for a ‘Minimum 70 per
cent late dry season groundcover on grazing lands’.
3.2.3
Wetlands water quality objectives
The Environmental Protection Regulation section 81A defines Environmental values for wetlands.
The State assesses impacts from earth works that may have impacts on freshwater wetlands of High
Ecological Significance in Great Barrier Reef Catchments against State Development Assessment
Provisions (SDAP) Module 11: Wetland protection area.
This module includes performance requirements to ensure:

adverse effects on hydrology, water quality and ecological processes of a wetland are avoided or
minimised
 any significant adverse impacts on matters of state environmental significance and on riparian areas
or wildlife corridors in strategic environmental areas are avoided.
Note: refer to the guideline 'Protecting Wetlands of High Ecological Significance in Great Barrier Reef
Catchments', and the Queensland wetland buffer planning guideline, available from the department’s
website.
26
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
3.2.4
Freshwater macroinvertebrate objectives
Locally derived objectives for freshwater macroinvertebrate indices are listed in table 2.5, based on
reference sites shown at Figure 1. Aquatic macroinvertebrates are common and widespread throughout
many aquatic ecosystems, are easily sampled and can provide an integrated measure of stream
condition. Specific sampling protocols have been used and their training and accreditation requirements
(see http://ausrivas.ewater.com.au/training-and-accreditation3) mean that sample results from a number
of programs can be combined for use in derivation of objective values. In determining macroinvertebrate
objectives, 10m of either edge or riffle habitats were sampled with standard protocols. Indices included in
these macroinvertebrates objectives are:

SIGNAL index (Stream Invertebrate Grade Number – Average Level) was developed for the
bioassessment of water quality in rivers in Australia. A SIGNAL score is calculated by grading each
detected macroinvertebrate family based upon its sensitivity to pollutants from 1 (tolerant) to 10
(sensitive) and averaging the grades. These guidelines used SIGNAL version 2.iv (Chessman 2003,
available at www.environment.gov.au).

Taxa richness is the number of different aquatic macroinvertebrate taxa collected in a sample.

PET taxa richness is the number of aquatic macroinvertebrate families collected from these orders of
aquatic insects; Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies) and Trichoptera (caddisflies).
These orders are considered to be sensitive to changes in their environment and therefore useful to
assess stream condition.

% sensitive taxa in an index based on the proportion of taxa with ‘sensitive’ SIGNAL grades of 8–10
(SIGNAL version 2.iv).

% tolerant taxa in an index based on the proportion of taxa with ‘tolerant’ SIGNAL grades of 1–3
(SIGNAL version 2.iv).
Samples for the macroinvertebrate objectives were identified in the laboratory to family level, except
Chironimidae (non-biting midges) that are identified to sub-family, and lower Phyla (Porifera, Nematoda,
Nemertea, etc.), Oligochaeta (freshwater worms), Acarina (mites), and microcrustacea (Ostracoda,
Copepoda, Cladocera) that are not identified further. The taxonomy used to calculate the objective
indices are based on those used in SIGNAL version 2.iv.
27
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Figure 1 Reference sites (yellow circles) with samples considered or used for development of
macroinvertebrate objectives in the Wet Tropics of Queensland
28
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 2.5 Freshwater macroinvertebrate objectives for moderately disturbed (MD) waters of the
Herbert River basin
Edge habitat
Index
th
1
Riffle habitat
th
th
2
th
20 percentile
80 percentile
20 percentile
80 percentile
SIGNAL index
3.79
4.72
4.50
5.40
Taxa richness
17
26
16
24
PET taxa richness
3
7
5
8
7.69
6.50
18.50
41.18
15.40
25.0
3
% sensitive taxa
0
% tolerant taxa
21.88
Notes:
1. Edge habitat is located along the stream bank.
2. Riffle habitat is characterised as a reach with relatively steep, shallow (<0.3m), fast flowing (>0.2m/s) and
broken water over stony beds.
3. A zero value is inappropriate for use as a WQO.
Source:
Negus P, Steward A & Blessing J. 2013. Queensland interim biological guidelines for Wet Tropics coastal
streams: Aquatic macroinvertebrates, April 2013 – Draft for Comment. Brisbane: Department of Science,
Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Queensland Government.
29
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Water quality objectives to protect the
human use environmental values
30
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
3.3
Water quality objectives for human use environmental values
This section outlines the WQOs to protect human use EVs, e.g. recreation, stock watering, aquaculture
and crop irrigation. Tables 3.1 to 3.10 list the WQOs to protect the human use EVs for the waters of the
Herbert River basin and adjacent coastal waters.
The WQOs in these tables are based on national water quality guidelines, including ANZECC (2000), the
National Health and Medical Research Council Guidelines for managing risks in recreational water, the
Food Standards Australia New Zealand and the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines5.
Where national guidelines are the source for the stated WQOs, reference is necessary to obtain
comprehensive listings of all indicators, corresponding WQOs and up-to-date information.
Table 3.1 Water quality objectives to protect human use environmental values
5
6
Environmental
value
Water type—
refer attached
pdf mapping or
GIS datasets
Water quality objectives to protect the stated EV
Suitability for raw
drinking water
supply (before
treatment)
Fresh waters
and
groundwaters
WQOs for drinking water supply are at table 3.2.
Note: For water quality after treatment or at point of use refer to
legislation and guidelines, including:
 Public Health Act 2005 and Regulations
 Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008, including any
approved drinking water quality management plan under the Act
 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011—updated December 2013.
Protection of the
human consumer
(oysters, fish
crustaceans)
All fresh,
estuarine and
coastal waters
WQOs as per ANZECC guidelines and Australia New Zealand Food
6
Standards Code , Food Standards Australia New Zealand, 2007 and
updates.
Protection of
cultural and
spiritual values
All waters
Protect or restore indigenous and non-indigenous cultural heritage
consistent with any relevant policies and plans.
Suitability for
industrial use
(includes mining,
minerals
processing,
chemical process
industries etc.)
Fresh waters,
estuarine and
coastal waters
No WQOs are stated for industrial uses of water. Water quality
requirements for industry vary within and between industries.
Where there are specific intake water quality requirements e.g. power
station cooling water, the EV is protected by WQOs for other EVs, such
as the aquatic ecosystem requirements.
The AWQG are available on the National Water Quality Management Strategy website.
The ADWG are available on the NHMRC website.
The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code is available on the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand website.
31
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
7
Environmental
value
Water type—
refer attached
pdf mapping or
GIS datasets
Water quality objectives to protect the stated EV
Suitability for
aquaculture
Fresh waters,
estuarine and
coastal waters
WQOs as per:
 tables 3.3 to 3.5
 ANZECC guidelines and Australia New Zealand Food Standards
Code, Food Standards Australia New Zealand, 2007 and updates.
Suitability for
irrigation
Fresh waters
and
groundwaters
WQOs for pathogens and metals are provided in tables 3.6 and 3.7
For other indicators, such as salinity, sodicity and herbicides, see
ANZECC guidelines
Suitability for
stock watering
Fresh waters
and
groundwaters
WQOs as per ANZECC guidelines, including median faecal coliforms
<100 organisms per 100 mL
WQOs for total dissolved solids and metals are provided in tables 10 and
11
For other objectives, such as cyanobacteria and pathogens, see
ANZECC guidelines
Suitability for farm
supply/use
All fresh waters
including
groundwaters
WQOs as per ANZECC guidelines
Suitability for
primary contact
recreation
Fresh waters,
estuarine and
coastal waters
Objectives as per NHMRC (2008) , including:
 water free of physical (floating and submerged) hazards
 temperature range: 16–34°C
 pH range: 6.5–8.5
 DO: >80%
 faecal contamination: designated recreational waters are protected
against direct contamination with fresh faecal material, particularly of
human or domesticated animal origin. Two principal components are
required for assessing faecal contamination:
− assessment of evidence for the likely influence of faecal material
− counts of suitable faecal indicator bacteria (usually enterococci)
These two components are combined to produce an overall microbial
classification of the recreational water body.
 intestinal enterococci: 95th percentile ≤ 40 organisms per 100mL (for
healthy adults) (NHMRC, 2008; table 5.7)
 direct contact with venomous or dangerous aquatic organisms should
be avoided. Recreational water bodies should be reasonably free of,
or protected from, venomous organisms (e.g. box jellyfish and
bluebottles)
 waters contaminated with chemicals that are either toxic or irritating to
the skin or mucous membranes are unsuitable for recreational
purposes.
7
Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water are available on the NHMRC website.
32
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Environmental
value
Water type—
refer attached
pdf mapping or
GIS datasets
Water quality objectives to protect the stated EV
Suitability for
primary contact
recreation-continued
Fresh waters
 cyanobacteria / algae: Recreational water bodies should not contain:
1
− level 1 : ≥ 10 μg/L total microcystins; or ≥ 50 000 cells/mL toxic
3
Microcystis aeruginosa; or biovolume equivalent of ≥ 4 mm /L for the
combined total of all cyanobacteria where a known toxin producer is
dominant in the total biovolume or
1
3
− level 2 : ≥ 10 mm /L for total biovolume of all cyanobacterial material
where known toxins are not present
or
− cyanobacterial scums consistently present. Further details are
contained in NHMRC (2008) and table 3.10.
Estuarine,

coastal waters
cyanobacteria / algae: Recreational water bodies should not contain ≥ 10
cells/mL Karenia brevis and/or have Lyngbya majuscula and/or Pfiesteria
2
present in high numbers . Further details are contained in NHMRC
(2008) and table 3.10.
Suitability for
Fresh waters,
secondary contact estuarine and
recreation
coastal waters
Objectives as per NHMRC (2008), including:
 intestinal enterococci: 95th percentile ≤ 40 organisms per 100mL (for
healthy adults) (NHMRC, 2008; table 5.7)
 cyanobacteria / algae—refer objectives for primary recreation,
NHMRC (2008) and table 3.10.
Suitability for
visual recreation
Objectives as per NHMRC (2008), including:
 recreational water bodies should be aesthetically acceptable to
recreational users. The water should be free from visible materials
that may settle to form objectionable deposits; floating debris, oil,
scum and other matter; substances producing objectionable colour,
odour, taste or turbidity; and substances and conditions that produce
undesirable aquatic life.
 Cyanobacteria / algae—refer objectives for primary recreation,
NHMRC (2008) and table 3.10.
Fresh waters,
estuarine and
coastal waters
Notes:
1. Level 1 recognises the probability of adverse health effects from ingestion of known toxins, in this case based
on the toxicity of microcystins. Level 2 covers circumstances in which there are very high cell densities of
cyanobacterial material, irrespective of the presence of toxicity or known toxins. Increased cyanobacterial
densities increase the likelihood of non-specific adverse health outcomes, principally respiratory, irritation and
allergy symptoms. (NHMRC, 2008; 8).
2. The NHMRC states that its guidelines are concerned ‘only with risks that may be associated with recreational
activities in or near coastal and estuarine waters. This includes exposure through dermal contact, inhalation of
sea-spray aerosols and possible ingestion of water or algal scums, but does not include dietary exposure to
marine algal toxins.’ (NHMRC, 2008; 121).
Sources:
The WQOs were determined from:

Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (NHMRC, 2011).

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Australian Government).

Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC & ARMCANZ, 2000).

Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water (NHMRC, 2008).
33
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 3.2 Drinking water EV – Water quality objectives for raw drinking water supply in the
vicinity of off-takes, including groundwater, before treatment
WQOs for drinking water before treatment are derived from the Office of the Water Supply Regulator
(Department of Energy and Water Supply) and Queensland Health.
Note: For water quality after treatment or at the point of use, refer to relevant legislation and guidelines,
including Public Health Act 2005 and Regulations, Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008,
including any approved drinking water management plan under the Act, Water Fluoridation Act 2008,
and the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG (2011), 2013 update).
Indicator
Water quality objective
Giardia
0 cysts (Office of Water Supply Regulator)
If Giardia is detected in drinking water then the health authorities should be notified
immediately and an investigation of the likely source of contamination undertaken
(ADWG).
Cryptosporidium
0 cysts (Office of Water Supply Regulator)
If Cryptosporidium is detected in drinking water then the health authorities should be
notified immediately and an investigation of the likely source of contamination undertaken
(ADWG).
E. coli
<50 cfu/100mL
Treatment plants with effective barriers and disinfection are designed to address faecal
contamination.
E. coli or thermotolerant coliforms should not be present in any 100 mL sample of (treated)
drinking water (ADWG).
Blue-green algae
(cyanobacteria)
<100 cells/mL
Algal toxin
<1 µg/L Microcystin
pH
5.5–8
Total dissolved solids
<600mg/L
The concentration of total dissolved solids in treated drinking water should not exceed
600 mg/L (ADWG 2011, based on taste considerations).
Sodium
<180mg/L
The concentration of sodium in reticulated drinking water supplies should not exceed 180
mg/L (ADWG, based on threshold at which taste becomes appreciable).
Sulfate
<250mg/L
The concentration of sulfate in drinking water should not exceed 250 mg/L (ADWG 2011,
based on taste/aesthetic considerations).
ADWG 2011 health guideline: <500mg/L
Dissolved oxygen
5.5–7 mg/L
34
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Indicator
Water quality objective
Pesticides
Raw supplies: Below detectable limits.
Treated drinking water: Refer to ADWG.
Other indicators (including
physico-chemical indicators)
Refer to ADWG.
35
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 3.3 Aquaculture EV – Water quality objectives for tropical aquaculture
Recommended range
Water parameter
Recommended range
Water parameter
Fresh water
Marine
General aquatic
Dissolved oxygen
>4 mg/L
>4 mg/L
Arsenic
<0.05 mg/L
Temperature ˚C
21–32
24–33
Cadmium
<0.003 mg/L
pH
6.8–9.5
7–9.0
Calcium/Magnesium
10–160 mg/L
Ammonia (TAN, total ammonianitrogen)
<1.0 mg/L
<1.0 mg/L
Chromium
<0.1 mg/L
Ammonia (NH3, un-ionised form)
<0.1 mg/L
<0.1 mg/L
Copper
<0.006 mg/L in soft water
Nitrate (NO3)
1–100 mg/L
1–100 mg/L
Cyanide
<0.005 mg/L
Nitrite (NO2)
<0.1 mg/L
<1.0 mg/L
Iron
<0.5 mg/L
Salinity
0–5 ppt
15–35 ppt
Lead
<0.03 mg/L
Hardness
20–450 mg/L
Manganese
<0.01 mg/L
Alkalinity
20–400 mg/L
Mercury
<0.00005 mg/L
Turbidity
<80 NTU
Nickel
<0.01 mg/L in soft water <0.04
mg/L in hard water
Chlorine
<0.003 mg/L
Tin
<0.001 mg/L
Hydrogen sulphide
<0.002 mg/L
Zinc
0.03–0.06 mg/L in soft water
>100mg/L
1–2 mg/L in hard water
Source: Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries: Water Quality in Aquaculture—DPI Notes April 2004.
36
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 3.4 Aquaculture EV – Water quality objectives for optimal growth of freshwater species
Water parameter
Barramundi
Eel
Silver perch
Jade perch
Sleepy cod
Redclaw
Dissolved oxygen
4–9 mg/L
>3 mg/L
>4 mg/L
>3 mg/L
>4.0 mg/L
>4.0 mg/L
Temperature ˚C
26–32
23–28
23–28
23–28
22–31
23–31
pH
7.5–8.5
7.0–8.5
6.5–9
6.5–9
7.0–8.5
7.0–8.5
<1.0 mg/L
<1.0 mg/L
<0.1 mg/L
<0.1 mg/L
<1.0 mg/L
<1.0 mg/L
Ammonia (TAN,
Total ammonianitrogen)
Ammonia (NH3, unionised form)*pH
dependent.
<1.0 mg/L
<0.46 mg/L
<0.1 mg/L
Nitrate (NO3)
<0.1 mg/L
<0.1 mg/L
<100 mg/L
Nitrite (NO2)
<1.5 mg/L
Salinity (extended
periods)
0–35 ppt
<5 ppt
Salinity bath
0–35 ppt
5–10 ppt for 1
hour
Hardness (CaCO3)
<1.0 mg/L
<0.1 mg/L
<5 ppt
<4 ppt
max. 20 ppt for
one hour
>50 mg/L
>50 mg/L
>40 mg/L
>40 mg/L
100–400 ppm
100–400 ppm
>40 mg/L
>40 mg/L
Alkalinity
>20 mg/L
Chlorine
<0.04 mg/L
<0.04 mg/L
Hydrogen sulphide
0–0.3 mg/L
0–0.3 mg/L
Iron
<0.1 mg/L
<0.5 mg/L
<0.5 mg/L
<0.1 mg/L
Spawning
temperature ˚C
Marine
23–28
23–28
>24 for more
than three days
<0.1 mg/L
Source: Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries: Water Quality in Aquaculture—DPI Notes April 2004.
37
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 3.5 Aquaculture EV – Water quality objectives for optimal growth of particular marine
species
Water parameter
Barramundi
Tiger prawn
Kuruma prawn
Hatchery
Grow out
Hatchery
Grow out
Grow out
Dissolved oxygen
Saturation
>4 mg/L
>4 mg/L
>3.5 mg/L
>4 mg/L
Temperature ˚C
28–30 optimum
28–30 optimum
26–32
24
~8
7.5–8.5
7.5–8.5
25–31 range
pH
~8
Ammonia (TAN, total
ammonia-nitrogen)
~8
0.1–0.5 mg/L
Ammonia (NH3, unionised form)
<0.1 mg/L
<0.1 mg/L
<0.1 mg/L
<0.1 mg/L
<0.1 mg/L
Nitrate (NO3)
<1.0 mg/L
<1.0 mg/L
<1.0 mg/L
<1.0 mg/L
<1.0 mg/L
Nitrite (NO2)
<0.2 mg/L
<1.0 mg/L
<0.2 mg/L
<0.2 mg/L
<0.2 mg/L
Salinity
28–31 ppt
0–35 ppt
10–25 ppt
optimum
30–35 ppt optimum
30–40 cm
Secchi disk
30–40 cm Secchi
disk
Alkalinity
105–125 mg/L
CaCO3
Clarity
Hydrogen sulphide
<0.3 mg/L
Iron
<0.02 mg/L
<1.0 mg/L
Spawning temperature
˚C
28–32
27–32
Source: Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries—Water Quality in Aquaculture—DPI Notes April 2004 (as
amended).
38
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 3.6 Irrigation EV – Water quality objectives for thermotolerant (faecal) coliforms in irrigation
water used for food and non-food crops1
Intended use
Median values of thermotolerant coliforms
2
(colony forming units—cfu)
Raw human food crops in direct contact with irrigation water (e.g. via
sprays, irrigation of salad vegetables)
<10 cfu/100 mL
Raw human food crops not in direct contact with irrigation water (edible
product separated from contact with water, e.g. by peel, use of trickle
irrigation); or crops sold to consumers cooked or processed
<1000 cfu/100 mL
Pasture and fodder for dairy animals (without withholding period)
<100 cfu/100 mL
Pasture and fodder for dairy animals (with withholding period of five
days)
<1000 cfu/100 mL
Pasture and fodder (for grazing animals except pigs and dairy animals,
i.e. cattle, sheep and goats)
<1000 cfu/100 mL
Silviculture, turf, cotton, etc. (restricted public access)
<10 000 cfu/100 mL
Notes:
1. Adapted from ARMCANZ, ANZECC and NHMRC (1999).
2. Refer to Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2000 (AWQG), Volume 1, Section 4.2.3.3 for advice on testing
protocols.
Source: AWQG, Volume 1, Section 4.2.3.3, table 4.2.2.
39
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 3.7 Irrigation EV – Water quality objectives for heavy metals and metalloids in agricultural
irrigation water1 – long term trigger value (LTV), short-term trigger value (STV) and soil
cumulative contamination loading limit (CCL)
Element
Soil cumulative contaminant
2
loading limit (CCL) (kg/ha)
Long-term trigger value (LTV) in
irrigation water (up to 100 years)
(mg/L)
Short-term trigger value
(STV) in irrigation water
(up to 20 years) (mg/L)
Aluminium
ND
5
20
Arsenic
20
0.1
2.0
Beryllium
ND
0.1
0.5
Boron
ND
0.5
Refer to AWQG,
Vol 3, table 9.2.18
Cadmium
2
0.01
0.05
Chromium
ND
0.1
1
Cobalt
ND
0.05
0.1
Copper
140
0.2
5
Fluoride
ND
1
2
Iron
ND
0.2
10
Lead
260
2
5
Lithium
ND
2.5
2.5
(0.075 for citrus crops)
(0.075 for citrus crops)
Manganese
ND
0.2
10
Mercury
2
0.002
0.002
Molybdenum
ND
0.01
0.05
Nickel
85
0.2
2
Selenium
10
0.02
0.05
Uranium
ND
0.01
0.1
Vanadium
ND
0.1
0.5
Zinc
300
2
5
Notes:
1. Concentrations in irrigation water should be less than the trigger values. Trigger values should only be used in
conjunction with information on each individual element and the potential for off-site transport of contaminants
(refer AWQG, Volume 3, Section 9.2.5).
2. ND = Not determined; insufficient background data to calculate CCL.
Source: AWQG, Volume 1, Section 4.2.6, table 4.2.10.
40
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 3.8 Stock watering EV – Water quality objectives for tolerances of livestock to total
dissolved solids (salinity) in drinking water1
Livestock
Total dissolved solids (TDS) (mg/L)
No adverse effects
on animals expected.
Animals may have initial reluctance to drink or
there may be some scouring, but stock should
adapt without loss of production
Loss of production and decline
in animal condition and health
would be expected. Stock may
tolerate these levels for short
periods if introduced gradually
Beef cattle
0–4000
4000–5000
5000–10 000
Dairy cattle
0–2500
2500–4000
4000–7000
Sheep
0–5000
5000–10 000
10 000–13 000
Horses
0–4000
4000–6000
6000–7000
Pigs
0–4000
4000–6000
6000–8000
Poultry
0–2000
2000–3000
3000–4000
2
Notes:
1. From ANZECC (1992), adapted to incorporate more recent information.
2. Sheep on lush green feed may tolerate up to 13 000 mg/L TDS without loss of condition or production.
Source: AWQG, Volume 1, Section 4.3.3.5, table 4.3.1.
41
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 3.9 Stock watering EV – Water quality objectives (low risk trigger values) for heavy metals
and metalloids in livestock drinking water
1,2
Metal or metalloid
Trigger value (low risk)
(mg/L)
Aluminium
5
Arsenic
0.5 (up to 5 )
Beryllium
ND
Boron
5
Cadmium
0.01
Chromium
1
Cobalt
1
Copper
0.4 (sheep), 1 (cattle), 5 (pigs), 5 (poultry)
Fluoride
2
Iron
not sufficiently toxic
Lead
0.1
Manganese
not sufficiently toxic
Mercury
0.002
Molybdenum
0.15
Nickel
1
Selenium
0.02
Uranium
0.2
Vanadium
ND
Zinc
20
3
Notes:
1. Higher concentrations may be tolerated in some situations (further details provided in AWQG, Volume 3,
Section 9.3.5).
2. ND = not determined, insufficient background data to calculate.
3. May be tolerated if not provided as a food additive and natural level in the diet are low.
Source: AWQG, Volume 1, Section 4.3.4, table 4.3.2.
42
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 3.10 Recreational waters – Alert levels and corresponding actions for management of
cyanobacteria
The water quality objectives for water used for recreational purposes are that the values for
cyanobacteria cell counts or biovolume meet the guideline values set out in Chapter 6 of the Guidelines
for Managing Risks in Recreational Water.
When cyanobacteria are present in large numbers they can present a significant hazard, particularly to
primary contact users of waters. Monitoring/action requirements relative to cyanobacteria ‘alert’ levels
are summarised below the table, and are explained more fully in the Guidelines for Managing Risks in
Recreational Water (NHMRC, 2008).
Further details on the process to determine suitability of waters for recreation, relative to historical
cyanobacterial levels and susceptibility to cyanobacterial contamination, are contained in sections 6 and
7 of the NHMRC guidelines.
Green level surveillance mode
1
Amber level alert mode
1
Red level action mode
1
Fresh waters
≥ 500 to <5000 cells/mL M. aeruginosa
or biovolume equivalent of >0.04 to
3
<0.4 mm /L for the combined total of all
cyanobacteria.
≥ 5000 to <50 000 cells/mL M.
aeruginosa or biovolume equivalent of
3
≥ 0.4 to <4 mm /L for the combined
total of all cyanobacteria where a
known toxin producer is dominant in the
2
total biovolume .
3
or
3
≥ 0.4 to <10 mm /L for the combined
total of all cyanobacteria where known
toxin producers are not present.
4
Level 1 guideline :
≥ 10 μg/L total microcystins
or
≥ 50 000 cells/mL toxic M. aeruginosa
3
or biovolume equivalent of ≥ 4 mm /L
for the combined total of all
cyanobacteria where a known toxin
producer is dominant in the total
biovolume.
3
or
4
Level 2 guideline :
3
≥ 10 mm /L for total biovolume of all
cyanobacterial material where known
toxins are not present.
or
cyanobacterial scums are consistently
5
present .
Coastal and estuarine waters
Karenia brevis
≤ 1 cell/mL
> 1– < 10 cells/mL
≥ 10 cells/mL
Present in low numbers
Present in high numbers. (For Lyngbya
majuscula this involves the relatively
widespread visible presence of
dislodged algal filaments in the water
and washed up onto the beach)
Lyngbya majuscula, Pfiesteria spp.
History but no current presence of
organism
Nodularia spumigena: See NHMRC, Chapter 6 (Cyanobacteria and algae in fresh water) for details.
Notes:
1. Recommended actions at different alert levels are outlined below (based on NHMRC, 2008, table 6.6—fresh
waters. Similar actions are outlined for coastal/estuarine waters in NHMRC table 7.6):
Green: Regular monitoring. Weekly sampling and cell counts at representative locations in the water
body where known toxigenic species are present (i.e. Microcystis aeruginosa, Anabaena circinalis,
Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, Aphanizomenon ovalisporum, Nodularia spumigena); or fortnightly for
other types including regular visual inspection of water surface for scums.
43
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
2.
3.
4.
5.
Amber: Notify agencies as appropriate. Increase sampling frequency to twice weekly at representative
locations in the water body where toxigenic species (above) are dominant within the alert level
definition (i.e. total biovolume) to establish population growth and spatial variability in the water body.
Monitor weekly or fortnightly where other types are dominant. Make regular visual inspections of water
surface for scums. Decide on requirement for toxicity assessment or toxin monitoring.
Red: Continue monitoring as for (amber) alert mode. Immediately notify health authorities for advice
on health risk. (‘In action mode the local authority and health authorities warn the public of the
existence of potential health risks; for example, through the media and the erection of signs by the
local authority.’ NHMRC, 2008; 114). Make toxicity assessment or toxin measurement of water if this
has not already been done. Health authorities warn of risk to public health (i.e. the authorities make a
health risk assessment considering toxin monitoring data, sample type and variability).
The definition of 'dominant' is where the known toxin producer comprises 75 per cent or more of the total
biovolume of cyanobacteria in a representative sample.
This applies where high cell densities or scums of 'non toxic' cyanobacteria are present i.e. where the
cyanobacterial population has been tested and shown not to contain known toxins (mycrocystins, nodularian,
cylindrospermopsin or saxitoxin).
Health risks and levels: Level 1 is developed to protect against short-term health effects of exposure to
cyanobacterial toxins ingested during recreational activity, whereas the Level 2 applies to the circumstance
where there is a probability of increased likelihood of non-specific adverse health outcomes, principally
respiratory, irritation and allergy symptoms, from exposure to very high cell densities of cyanobacterial material
irrespective of the presence of toxicity or known toxins (NHMRC, 2008;114).
This refers to the situation where scums occur at the recreation site each day when conditions are calm,
particularly in the morning. Note that it is not likely that scums are always present and visible when there is a
high population as the cells may mix down with wind and turbulence and then reform later when conditions
become stable.
Source: Based on NHMRC (2008) Guideline for Managing Risks in Recreational Water (tables 6.2, 6.6, 7.3).
44
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Water quality objectives to protect
groundwater environmental values
45
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
3.4
Water quality objectives to protect groundwater environmental values
This section lists WQOs for the various groundwater types to protect the aquatic ecosystems
environmental values stated for the groundwaters of the Herbert River basin at Section 2.
WQOs are provided according to their chemistry zone and depth category in tables 4.1 to 4.9.
Where groundwaters interact with surface waters, groundwater quality should not compromise identified
EVs and WQOs for those waters.
The AWQG recommends that the highest level of protection should be provided to underground aquatic
ecosystems, given their high conservation value.
Where groundwaters are in good condition the intent is to maintain existing water quality (20th, 50th and
80th percentiles).
3.4.1
Wet Tropics groundwater chemistry groups
The Groundwater Chemistry Zones in the Herbert River basin are shown at Plan WQ1083.
The major groups include:
Wet tropical alluvial:

ID No. 21 – Herbert Johnstone volcanics (Table 4.1)

ID No. 23 – Basalt uplands and slopes (Table 4.2)
Sodic:

ID No. 10 – Granitic uplands and slopes (Table 4.3)

ID No. 11 – Ingham Abergowrie (Table 4.4)

ID No. 13 – Herbert stone (Table 4.5)
Coastal and floodplain:

ID No. 9 – Low salinity coastal floodplains (Table 4.6)
High salinity alluvial deposits:

ID No. 2 – Burgamoo Lucinda (Table 4.7)

ID No. 5 – Mid Herbert upland alluvials (Table 4.8)
High calcium:

ID No. 16 – Lilypond (Table 4.9)
46
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
RAH (meqL-1)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
deep
23
7
29
6
32
62
72
6
13
-
-
1
1
113
42
7.0
51
37.2
0.000
-
-
-
-
0.40
0.06
-
26
11
40
6
37
67
80
8
14
-
-
3
3
135
53
7.0
55
39.0
0.000
-
-
-
-
0.40
0.18
-
27
13
43
6
44
82
83
14
26
0
1
5
6
160
57
7.2
68
42.6
0.072
-
-
-
-
0.49
0.29
-
-
-
20th
6
50th
6
80th
8
47
Zn (mgL-1)
Fe (mgL-1)
Alkalinity
(mgL-1)
%
pH
EC
Hardness
(mgL-1)
%
mgL-1
%
NO3
µScm-1
SO4
mgL-1
Cl
%
mgL-1
%
mgL-1
%
HCO3
mgL-1
Mg
eH (mV)
SAR
moderate
%
mgL-1
Percentile
mgL-1
Depth
Ca
Cu (mgL-1)
F (mgL-1)
-
Na
Mn (mgL-1)
SiO2 (mgL-1)
Table 4.1 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group (refer to Plan WQ1083) – Wet Tropical
Alluvial – 21 Herbert Johnstone volcanics
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 4.2 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group (refer to Plan WQ1083) – Wet Tropical
Alluvial – 23 Basalt uplands and slopes
SAR
RAH (meqL-1)
eH (mV)
11
39
6
20
-
-
1
1
58
9
5.9
10
10.0
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.00
0.50
0.00
466.3
30
29
55
11
32
1
1
5
8
75
18
6.6
28
32.0
0.020
0.005
0.000
0.010
0.01
0.85
0.11
566.5
80th
16
64
11
29
9
40
89
76
17
47
2
3
9
18
202
61
7.5
74
54.5
0.256
0.030
0.019
0.021
0.02
1.60
0.84
575.7
20th
6
26
3
17
3
29
16
49
7
15
-
-
-
0
79
18
6.2
15
16.0
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.010
0.00
0.50
0.00
425.5
50th
9
36
7
26
5
37
54
74
10
22
-
-
2
2
128
38
6.8
50
37.5
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.020
0.01
0.60
0.12
526
80th
14
50
13
32
10
43
100
81
14
39
2
3
5
10
200
73
7.5
85
51.1
0.100
0.010
0.010
0.060
0.02
0.80
0.33
564.3
20th
7
25
3
18
3
26
30
62
7
11
-
-
0
0
97
20
6.4
26
22.3
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.00
0.50
0.00
397.8
50th
9
31
8
28
7
39
69
76
10
20
-
-
2
2
159
48
7.0
59
41.5
0.010
0.000
0.000
0.010
0.01
0.60
0.08
519.5
80th
16
53
17
32
11
45
137
86
14
30
2
3
5
6
257
89
7.6
114
53.0
0.100
0.010
0.010
0.050
0.01
0.90
0.38
549
20th
10
24
6
23
4
29
56
70
8
12
-
-
-
-
136
35
6.7
47
30.5
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.00
0.50
0.07
332.3
50th
11
30
12
30
9
40
91
80
11
16
-
-
3
2
196
69
7.3
79
46.0
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.020
0.01
0.60
0.16
449
80th
17
45
16
33
11
44
123
85
14
23
4
4
6
5
257
80
8.0
107
52.0
0.070
0.021
0.000
0.050
0.02
1.00
0.44
532.1
mgL
%
48
Alkalinity
(mgL-1)
22
3
%
µScm-1
2
23
%
mgL-1
10
3
%
mgL-1
1
43
%
mgL-1
32
9
%
mgL-1
4
50th
%
mgL-1
20th
-1
Cu (mgL-1)
EC
Zn (mgL-1)
NO3
Mn (mgL-1)
SO4
Fe (mgL-1)
very
deep
Cl
F (mgL-1)
deep
HCO3
SiO2 (mgL-1)
moderate
Mg
pH
shallow
Percentile
mgL-1
Depth
Ca
Hardness
(mgL-1)
Na
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 4.3 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group (refer to Plan WQ1083) – Sodic – 10
Granitic uplands and slopes
Mn (mgL-1)
Zn (mgL-1)
Cu (mgL-1)
SAR
RAH (meqL1
)
eH (mV)
9
3
8
68
33
13
26
1
1
0
0
158
38
6.9
56
30.6
0.100
0.000
0.000
0.010
0.00
1.10
0.13
-
16
21
7
15
194
45
125
52
5
2
2
0
800
72
7.6
161
70.0
0.200
0.020
0.010
0.030
0.02
3.15
1.07
-
80th
168
84
45
33
21
24
254
66
175
59
12
8
7
7
997
195
7.9
208
101.1
0.550
0.422
0.037
0.054
0.02
8.47
2.04
-
20th
64
46
9
8
5
7
135
33
47
27
2
1
0
0
440
46
7.3
113
82.0
0.270
0.000
0.000
0.005
0.01
2.00
0.30
-
50th
102
63
21
20
10
17
200
50
103
41
4
1
1
0
772
95
7.7
165
96.0
0.375
0.010
0.010
0.020
0.05
4.25
1.67
-
80th
160
85
46
30
24
23
280
67
210
62
12
3
3
1
1,003
210
8.2
230
110.0
0.500
0.020
0.020
0.023
0.05
8.40
2.70
-
20th
27
41
12
16
5
13
118
66
20
20
1
1
-
0
257
53
6.7
97
79.0
0.280
0.003
0.004
0.007
0.01
1.30
0.43
-
50th
32
49
18
31
7
20
147
74
26
23
2
1
0
0
300
76
7.0
120
93.0
0.360
0.020
0.010
0.020
0.05
1.60
0.72
-
80th
113
72
24
35
10
24
219
79
54
31
16
5
1
0
572
99
7.8
182
107.0
0.600
0.100
0.050
0.050
0.05
5.81
2.16
-
49
mgL
SiO2 (mgL-1)
10
55
%
Alkalinity
(mgL-1)
46
109
%
µScm-1
16
50th
%
mgL-1
20th
%
mgL-1
%
-1
%
Fe (mgL-1)
EC
F (mgL-1)
NO3
pH
SO4
Hardness
(mgL-1)
deep
Cl
mgL-1
moderate
HCO3
mgL-1
shallow
Mg
%
Percentile
mgL-1
Depth
Ca
mgL-1
Na
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 4.4 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group (refer to Plan WQ1083) – Sodic – 11
Ingham Abergowrie
eH (mV)
3
6
5
8
97
15
6.4
20
33.0
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.010
0.00
1.30
0.10
-
25
5
10
10
15
120
19
6.9
24
37.0
0.005
0.005
0.000
0.015
0.02
1.50
0.18
-
80th
21
71
7
25
2
16
43
56
15
30
11
15
21
28
160
27
7.2
36
47.2
0.100
0.010
0.005
0.031
0.02
2.10
0.22
-
20th
16
60
1
3
1
5
36
40
10
20
2
3
-
0
116
7
7.1
28
43.5
0.100
0.009
0.000
0.010
0.00
1.40
0.31
-
50th
29
80
6
10
2
9
65
54
20
29
8
7
0
1
229
25
7.4
52
67.0
0.375
0.030
0.010
0.020
0.01
3.90
0.58
-
80th
65
90
10
24
3
13
111
72
48
45
16
15
6
7
370
37
7.8
91
84.5
0.949
0.128
0.053
0.040
0.03
6.21
1.71
-
20th
27
67
4
8
2
5
60
27
9
15
2
4
-
-
170
19
7.3
50
51.4
0.300
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.00
2.30
0.50
-
50th
83
71
11
19
4
10
111
42
33
39
22
8
0
0
495
47
7.6
92
66.0
0.800
0.020
0.120
0.010
0.02
4.50
0.80
-
80th
150
84
44
26
8
13
157
76
150
50
122
27
3
2
973
132
8.0
130
80.0
1.400
0.087
0.250
0.020
0.03
6.22
1.45
-
20th
26
70
1
2
1
2
64
75
9
18
-
-
-
-
128
5
6.5
54
34.0
0.220
0.048
0.000
0.010
0.00
3.75
0.81
-
50th
50
95
1
3
1
2
106
76
17
21
1
1
0
0
222
6
7.7
88
89.0
0.400
0.060
0.000
0.025
0.01
9.30
1.63
-
80th
53
96
3
18
1
12
111
78
20
23
4
3
1
3
245
12
7.9
92
99.5
0.485
0.533
0.010
0.040
0.03
10.30
1.71
-
50
SiO2 (mgL1
)
21
10
Alkalinity
(mgL-1)
7
49
pH
25
29
%
Hardness
(mgL-1)
20
13
%
µScm-1
11
2
mgL-1
1
23
%
mgL-1
16
5
%
mgL-1
4
64
%
mgL-1
59
15
%
mgL-1
12
50th
%
mgL-1
RAH
(meqL-1)
EC
SAR
NO3
Cu (mgL-1)
very
deep
SO4
Zn (mgL-1)
deep
Cl
Mn (mgL1
)
moderate
HCO3
20th
-1
shallow
Percentile
mgL
Depth
Mg
Fe (mgL-1)
Ca
F (mgL-1)
Na
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 4.5 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group (refer to Plan WQ1083) – Sodic – 13
Herbert Stone
SAR
RAH (meqL1
)
eH (mV)
22
8
23
1
1
3
2
108
12
7.2
16
29.9
0.019
0.000
0.000
0.020
0.00
1.29
0.15
-
52
47
15
31
2
5
13
8
183
19
7.4
43
38.0
0.130
0.055
0.020
0.045
0.03
1.45
0.29
-
80th
53
77
14
31
5
20
98
65
42
46
5
11
20
31
359
56
7.4
80
55.1
0.307
0.807
1.487
0.094
0.05
3.62
0.85
-
20th
21
53
6
17
3
14
57
54
9
13
1
1
0
0
163
27
7.1
47
62.7
0.119
0.000
0.000
0.006
0.00
1.59
0.22
-
50th
23
59
8
22
4
19
66
62
18
28
2
2
5
3
196
37
7.5
55
75.0
0.205
0.010
0.020
0.020
0.02
1.70
0.49
-
80th
45
71
14
26
8
22
165
76
43
33
2
3
15
14
406
73
8.0
137
87.0
0.660
0.030
0.171
0.030
0.05
2.60
0.94
-
20th
71
82
6
7
4
6
179
53
26
19
2
1
-
-
372
35
7.7
149
71.4
1.407
0.136
0.014
0.014
0.00
5.31
2.27
-
50th
105
83
7
8
5
8
206
65
55
29
12
4
0
0
539
40
8.0
172
79.5
1.505
0.610
0.070
0.020
0.03
7.05
2.41
-
80th
125
86
13
10
5
9
211
78
74
32
43
14
1
0
670
50
8.3
176
82.7
1.714
0.818
0.728
0.026
0.05
7.69
2.73
-
51
Alkalinity
(mgL-1)
20
15
pH
10
2
Hardness
(mgL-1)
1
20
%
µScm-1
10
4
%
mgL-1
3
65
%
mgL-1
49
21
%
mgL-1
12
50th
%
mgL-1
20th
%
mgL-1
Cu (mgL-1)
EC
Zn (mgL-1)
NO3
Mn (mgL-1)
SO4
Fe (mgL-1)
deep
Cl
F (mgL-1)
moderate
HCO3
SiO2 (mgL-1)
shallow
Mg
%
Percentile
mgL-1
Depth
Ca
mgL-1
Na
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 4.6 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group (refer to Plan WQ1083) – Coastal and
Floodplain – 9 Low salinity coastal floodplains
Zn
(mgL-1)
Cu (mgL-1)
SAR
RAH (meqL-1)
1
10
7
18
8
39
-
-
-
-
51
7
5.8
6
9.0
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.010
0.00
1.00
0.00
-
11
2
18
18
32
17
54
2
4
1
2
96
14
6.6
15
19.5
0.050
0.008
0.018
0.020
0.01
1.50
0.02
-
80th
24
81
5
21
4
27
41
52
28
70
6
11
4
8
156
26
7.3
34
30.0
0.150
0.040
0.094
0.075
0.02
2.90
0.28
-
20th
6
50
1
6
1
14
6
12
8
32
-
-
1
0
64
8
6.0
5
11.1
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.010
0.00
0.70
0.00
-
50th
10
67
2
12
2
21
14
27
12
46
1
2
7
12
85
15
6.5
12
18.0
0.020
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.01
1.20
0.00
-
80th
25
75
7
22
4
28
62
50
28
64
5
10
13
29
199
34
7.2
52
27.0
0.200
0.020
0.040
0.039
0.02
2.10
0.22
-
20th
6
53
1
8
1
12
6
19
8
22
-
-
-
0
59
6
5.5
5
11.0
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.005
0.00
0.90
0.00
-
50th
9
65
2
14
2
18
16
35
10
43
1
2
3
5
82
12
6.5
14
17.0
0.050
0.002
0.010
0.010
0.01
1.30
0.10
-
80th
18
76
6
25
3
24
64
68
15
65
4
5
9
22
163
34
7.2
52
35.0
0.180
0.030
0.060
0.030
0.02
1.65
0.49
-
20th
7
54
1
10
1
10
13
21
7
20
1
2
1
0
64
9
6.1
11
16.0
0.010
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.00
0.70
0.00
-
50th
9
59
3
15
3
16
29
46
9
39
1
4
4
9
95
19
6.9
24
23.0
0.100
0.005
0.005
0.010
0.02
1.30
0.13
-
80th
78
74
18
26
8
25
103
65
65
60
16
8
8
16
511
67
7.5
85
43.7
0.610
0.020
0.020
0.030
0.02
5.25
1.47
-
52
eH (mV)
Mn (mgL-1)
6
2
Alkalinity
(mgL-1)
1
67
pH
57
13
Hardness
(mgL-1)
6
50th
%
µScm-1
20th
%
mgL-1
%
%
mgL-1
%
-1
%
Fe (mgL-1)
EC
F (mgL-1)
NO3
SiO2 (mgL-1)
very deep
SO4
mgL-1
deep
Cl
mgL-1
moderate
HCO3
mgL-1
shallow
Mg
%
Percentile
mgL
Depth
Ca
mgL-1
Na
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 4.7 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group (refer to Plan WQ1083) – High Salinity
alluvial deposits – 2 Burgamoo Lucinda
SAR
RAH (meqL1
)
eH (mV)
22
8
23
1
1
3
2
108
12
7.2
16
29.9
0.019
0.000
0.000
0.020
0.00
1.29
0.15
-
52
47
15
31
2
5
13
8
183
19
7.4
43
38.0
0.130
0.055
0.020
0.045
0.03
1.45
0.29
-
80th
53
77
14
31
5
20
98
65
42
46
5
11
20
31
359
56
7.4
80
55.1
0.307
0.807
1.487
0.094
0.05
3.62
0.85
-
20th
21
53
6
17
3
14
57
54
9
13
1
1
0
0
163
27
7.1
47
62.7
0.119
0.000
0.000
0.006
0.00
1.59
0.22
-
50th
23
59
8
22
4
19
66
62
18
28
2
2
5
3
196
37
7.5
55
75.0
0.205
0.010
0.020
0.020
0.02
1.70
0.49
-
80th
45
71
14
26
8
22
165
76
43
33
2
3
15
14
406
73
8.0
137
87.0
0.660
0.030
0.171
0.030
0.05
2.60
0.94
-
20th
71
82
6
7
4
6
179
53
26
19
2
1
-
-
372
35
7.7
149
71.4
1.407
0.136
0.014
0.014
0.00
5.31
2.27
-
50th
105
83
7
8
5
8
206
65
55
29
12
4
0
0
539
40
8.0
172
79.5
1.505
0.610
0.070
0.020
0.03
7.05
2.41
-
80th
125
86
13
10
5
9
211
78
74
32
43
14
1
0
670
50
8.3
176
82.7
1.714
0.818
0.728
0.026
0.05
7.69
2.73
-
53
Alkalinity
(mgL-1)
20
15
pH
10
2
Hardness
(mgL-1)
1
20
%
µScm-1
10
4
%
mgL-1
3
65
%
mgL-1
49
21
%
mgL-1
12
50th
%
mgL-1
20th
%
mgL-1
Cu (mgL-1)
EC
Zn (mgL-1)
NO3
Mn (mgL-1)
SO4
Fe (mgL-1)
deep
Cl
F (mgL-1)
moderate
HCO3
SiO2 (mgL-1)
shallow
Mg
%
Percentile
mgL-1
Depth
Ca
mgL-1
Na
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Insufficient data to set WQOs
54
eH (mV)
RAH
(meqL-1)
-
SAR
-
Cu (mgL1
)
-
Zn (mgL1
)
-
Mn (mgL1
)
-
Fe (mgL1
)
-
F (mgL-1)
-
SiO2
(mgL-1)
-
Alkalinity
(mgL-1)
-
pH
-
%
µScm-1
-
%
EC
mgL-1
-
%
NO3
mgL-1
-
%
SO4
mgL-1
-
%
Cl
mgL-1
-
%
HCO3
mgL-1
%
Mg
mgL-1
moderate
Percentile
Ca
mgL-1
Depth
Na
Hardness
(mgL-1)
Table 4.8 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group (refer to Plan WQ1083) – High Salinity
alluvial deposits – 5 Mid Herbert upland alluvials
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Table 4.9 Water quality objectives to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs for Groundwater Chemistry Group (refer to Plan WQ1083) – High Calcium –
16 Lilypond
RAH (meqL1
)
38
24
17
5
-
0
492
18
7.5
41
37.4
0.609
0.010
0.000
0.040
0.00
7.92
0.94
9
338
73
111
8
1
0
1,442
71
7.6
144
57.0
0.680
0.500
0.030
0.045
0.01
9.60
2.43
80th
660
93
483
44
24
6
183
67
1,783
90
166
11
2
1
6,270
1,263
7.8
152
73.0
1.740
1.277
0.813
0.050
0.03
10.94
2.71
20th
689
52
384
34
10
2
37
1
1,857
93
116
4
-
-
5,200
1,110
6.8
31
49.0
0.704
0.000
0.176
-
-
8.00
-
-
50th
713
54
500
44
25
3
53
1
1,920
94
146
5
-
-
5,610
1,347
7.3
44
59.0
1.100
0.000
0.255
-
-
8.60
-
-
80th
784
59
549
47
48
7
61
2
1,990
94
168
6
3
0
6,111
1,419
7.5
51
75.0
2.000
0.028
2.732
-
-
9.90
-
-
20th
697
50
562
45
6
1
36
1
1,998
93
138
5
-
-
5,881
1,438
7.2
30
40.0
1.900
0.000
0.097
0.020
0.00
7.81
0.00
-
50th
756
52
584
47
8
1
50
1
2,050
94
150
5
1
0
6,200
1,518
7.3
42
48.0
2.100
0.000
0.160
0.025
0.03
8.20
0.32
-
80th
770
53
654
49
10
1
66
2
2,229
94
163
5
3
0
6,528
1,689
7.6
56
52.0
2.106
0.027
0.393
0.030
0.05
8.80
0.63
-
mgL
eH (mV)
SAR
2
175
Alkalinity
(mgL-1)
50
5
pH
2
5
%
Hardness
(mgL-1)
3
11
%
µScm-1
2
16
%
mgL-1
2
81
%
mgL-1
54
275
%
mgL-1
98
50th
-1
20th
%
mgL-1
Cu (mgL-1)
EC
Zn (mgL-1)
NO3
Mn (mgL-1)
SO4
Fe (mgL-1)
very
deep
Cl
F (mgL-1)
deep
HCO3
SiO2 (mgL-1)
shallow
Mg
%
Percentile
mgL-1
Depth
Ca
mgL-1
Na
Notes:
1. Refer to Plan WQ1083 to locate relevant groundwater chemistry zones.
2. Within each chemistry zone, groundwater quality values are provided for different depths (Shallow: <15m, Moderate: 15–40m, Deep: 40–65m, Very deep: >65m,
Artesian: all artesian).
3. The management intent is to maintain 20th, 50th and 80th percentile values. Values are provided for each of these percentiles.
4. Abbreviations: EC: Electrical conductivity, CaCO3: Calcium carbonate, Ca: Calcium, Mg: Magnesium, Na: Sodium, Cl: Chloride, SO 4: Sulfate, HCO3: Bicarbonate, NO3:
Nitrate, SiO2: Silica, F: Fluoride, Fe: Iron, Mn: Manganese, Zn: Zinc, Cu: Copper, SAR: Sodium adsorption ratio, RAH: Residual alkali hazard, EH: Redox
(oxidation/reduction) potential, '-': insufficient data to perform statistical summaries, or the parameter was not tested.
Source: Queensland Wet Tropics and Black and Ross catchments: Regional chemistry of the groundwater. Queensland Government (Raymond, M. A. A. and V. H.
McNeil, 2013).
55
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Ways to improve water quality
56
Herbert River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
4
Ways to improve water quality
The following documents are relevant in considering ways to improve water quality in the Herbert River
basin.
Regional plans

Wet Tropics Water Quality Improvement Plan, Terrain NRM 2015, in publication. See Terrain
website.
Queensland and Australian Government plans

Reef Water Quality Protection Plan 2013

Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan

Reef Program–The Australian Government Reef Program will be delivered as a component of the
National Landcare Program and will build on the success of the first phase of Reef Rescue. More
about the Australian Government Reef Program
57